Tag: Todd Gurley

Raheem Morris names Ito Smith the starting RB over Todd Gurley

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris finally acknowledged what anyone who watches the team has already known for weeks.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris finally acknowledged what anyone who watches the team has already known for weeks. Ito Smith, not Todd Gurley, is Atlanta’s starting running back.

Despite Gurley’s impressive resume, his effectiveness this season no longer warrants the starting job. The former Georgia star has nine touchdowns but just 60 total rushing yards over his previous four games.

Per Falcons beat reporter Kelsey Conway, Morris has named Smith the team’s lead back, while saying Gurley’s role has changed.

During Week 15, Gurley was given just one carry, which resulted in a one-yard loss. Over the last eight games, Gurley has averaged less than 3.5 yards per carry, and under three yards per attempt in six of those eight games.

Meanwhile, Smith has been Atlanta’s lead back, even if the team hasn’t wanted to admit it. After rarely being used over the first half of 2020, Smith has led the team in rushing yards and attempts for the past four games.

Smith has been more effective, but he hasn’t fixed the Falcons’ ground attack by any means. This season, he’s rushed for 213 yards on 4.3 yards per carry. Smith will have the final two games of the year to audition for a bigger role in 2021.

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Falcons RB Todd Gurley to see full workload against Chargers

After being limited in Week 13, running back Todd Gurley is slated to see a full workload this weekend when the Falcons take on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. 

After being limited in Week 13, running back Todd Gurley is slated to see a full workload this weekend when the Falcons take on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Interim coach Raheem Morris said he expects Gurley to have his normal role in Week 14, per team reporter William McFadden’s below Tweet.

Gurley was held to only 42 yards on 16 carries combined in Atlanta’s two meetings with New Orleans. Despite seeing a limited role as of late, the Falcons running back has only managed to surpass 60 yards on the ground four times this season. These next four weeks remain crucial in determining if Gurley has a real future with the Falcons.

Wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

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Todd Gurley eyeing a big performance at Sofi Stadium on Sunday

There was once a time when former Rams running back Todd Gurley was to be the headlining attraction for the opening of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

There was once a time when former Rams and current Falcons running back, Todd Gurley, was to be the headlining attraction for the opening of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Emmanuel Morgan of the Los Angeles Times sat down with Gurley to discuss his time with the Rams and his upcoming visit to the newest stadium in the NFL.

Gurley was asked how he felt playing in the stadium he watched get built from the ground up as he prepares to step into the finished product for the first time on Sunday.

“I helped create that stadium,” said Gurley, “so why not try to go out there and try to do damage?”

After a strong start with the Falcons, the former All-Pro running back’s role with the team has been limited over the past few weeks, Gurley was featured on 37 and 33 percent of offensive snaps in Atlanta’s two games coming off the bye week.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris even stated that Gurley is being limited to situational-use now, particularly in the red zone.

“We’re playing him a little situationally now. He’s battling some things like all of us this time of year. Being one of the better red zone runners in the game, we certainly wanted to go to him toward the end.”

Not to mention, Atlanta is in the bottom third of the league in run percentage with 39 percent and the team averages only average 3.7 yards per rush, the second-lowest in the league.

With Gurley set to become a free agent again in March, it’s unlikely the Falcons resign him to another one-year deal, however, this would be at the discretion of the new head coach and general manager, of course.

The former 10th overall selection in the 2015 draft was given a $60 million contract extension back in 2018. Needing the money to re-sign QB Jared Goff, CB Jalen Ramsey and DT Aaron Donald, among others, the Rams needed to part ways with their former MVP-caliber runner.

In 2017 and 2018, Gurley led the NFL in touchdowns and went on to become the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2017. Gurley was also a leading factor in getting the Rams back to the Super Bowl in 2018, after more than a decade-long absence. A Super Bowl that the Rams would eventually lose to New England.

After rushing for nearly 1,300 yards in the regular season, Gurley only managed to account for 45 yards on 14 carries in the NFC Championship game and the Super Bowl. Despite claiming to be healthy, Gurley’s pitch count carried over into 2019 where he recorded career-lows in rushing attempts (223) and yards (857), although he did score 12 touchdowns.

However, since leaving Los Angeles, Guley seems to have no ill-will towards his former team.

“It’s just a part of life. I grew as a player and a person there, and I appreciate L.A. for everything. It was a good time, man, it was a good five years with the Rams and a good four years in L.A., for sure. It’s always going to be home.”

So while the Falcons won’t be lining up against his former LA team this Sunday, he will be highly motivated to show out in the stadium he watched get built. The 4-8 Falcons will take on the other L.A. team, the 3-9 Chargers, this Sunday as Atlanta tries to salvage whatever is left in another forgetful season.

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Tunnel Vision of Week 13

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Derek Carr 381-5 4
 Baker Mayfield 334-5 4
 Ryan Tannehill 389-0 3
 Matt Stafford 402-0 3
 Sam Darnold 186-26 3
Running Backs Rush
Receive		 TD
David Montgomery 17-72
4-39		 2
Dalvin Cook 32-120
6-59		 0
Aaron Jones 15-130
3-18		 1
James Robinson 18-78
6-30		 1
Jonathan Taylor 13-91
3-44		 1
Wide Receivers Receive TD
Corey Davis 11-182 1
Davanta Adams 10-121 2
Justin Jefferson 9-121 1
Marvin Jones 8-116 1
T.Y. Hilton 8-110 1
Tight Ends Receive TD
Darren Waller 13-200 2
Mike Gesicki 9-88 1
Dan Arnold 2-61 2
T.J. Hockenson 7-24 0
Travis Kelce 8-136 1
Placekickers XP FG
Jason Sanders 1-4 0
Cody Parker 5 2
Younghoe Koo 1 3
Nick Folk 6 1
Harrison Butker 1 5
Defense Sack-TO TD
Patriots 3-2 2
Dolphins 6-2 0
Jaguars 2-4 1
Packers 7-1 0
Giants 5-2 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bow-outs

QB Brandon Allen – Chest
QB Philip Rivers – Foot
QB Carson Wentz – Benched
RB C Edwards-Helaire – Illness
RB Frank Gore – Concussion
RB Joshua Kelley – Ankle
WR Tyler Boyd – Ejected
WR Devante Parker – Ejected

Chasing Ambulances

Fortunately, not a lot of injuries and none expected to be serious.

QB Brandon Allen – The Bengals replacement for Joe Burrow only managed to complete 11-of-19 for 153 yards and one lucky 72-yard touchdown that was all thanks to Tyler Boyd. Allen left the game with a chest injury and was sacked five times by the Dolphins. Ryan Finley may be tabbed to face the Cowboys next week, but it is still a situation to avoid.

RB Frank Gore – Had a concussion after just one carry and the Jets – gasp! – ran better with non-37-year-old running backs. Josh Adams gained 74 yards on eight carries while ex-Lion Ty Johnson took over with 22 carries for 104 yards and one touchdown. He even added two receptions for 13 yards. Expect Johnson to be a hotter waiver wire pick-up this week and the Jets head to Seattle where Wayne Gallman just gained 135 yards in the Giants’ upset win. Johnson deserves to start even if Gore ends up healthy but the weekly practices should indicate what to expect.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire – Did not practice with a stomach virus but was active for the matchup with the Broncos. He never played and HC Andy Reid said that CEH had lost weight and had not practiced, so they opted to not use him despite that he was active and dressed for the game. He is expected to be back to health for the trip to Miami this week.

QB Jalen Hurts – Carson Wentz played halfway through the third quarter and was benched after he completed 6-of-15 for 79 yards at the Packers. Hurts was sent in and while he only threw 5-of-12, they went for 109 yards and a touchdown. He offered some spark. HC Doug Pederson said he has not decided on a starter for Week 14 versus the Saints. It is telling that he didn’t dismiss the chance.

QB Philip Rivers – Was disclosed that Rivers has a plantar plate rupture – a more severe version of turf toe. He will need surgery to fix it but intends to play with the injury. Rivers has been more productive in recent weeks despite the pain, so no reason to expect any changes.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

RB Alvin Kamara – His stats were in free-fall once Taysom Hill took over but at least this week, he ran for 88 yards and one score on 15 carries. He only caught two passes for nine yards which limits his most dangerous skill, but at least he was better than the five fantasy points from Week 12.

RB Todd Gurley – Troublesome that the Falcons primary back was held to only 26 yards on eight rushes in Week 11 in New Orleans and then missed Week 12 with a knee issue. He was active this week, but only gained 16 yards on eight carries versus the Saints (again). Gurley has been very touchdown-dependent this year and he’s not looked nearly as spry in recent weeks. He’s a hard one to start right when fantasy playoffs kick-off.

WR Quintez Cephus – The Lions’ fifth-round rookie has been a part of the offense from Week 1 but usually one for one or two catches as the No. 4 wideout. With Kenny Golladay still out, the Lions wanted to take a longer look at the rookie Cephus. He caught two passes for 63 yards that included a 49-yard touchdown on the Bears’ secondary.

RB David Montgomery – The Bears’ running back ran for 72 yards on 17 carries and scored twice, plus caught four passes for 39 yards. The Bears brain trust still opted to give special-teamer Cordarrelle Patterson ten carries and the Lions presented the worst rushing defense. But the Bears lost the game and Montgomery’s best situation of the season still saw him lose ten carries to a gimmick kick returner.

WR T.Y. Hilton – It only took the Colts No. 1 wideout ten games to get in synch with Philip Rivers. He had been consistent with around 40 yards per game and then caught four passes for 81 yards and a score versus the Titans in Week 12. On Sunday, he led the Colts with eight receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown against the Texans for his best performance of the season.

WR Keke Coutee – Facing a formidable Colts defense, Brandin Cooks was limited to only 65 yards on five catches. But Keke Coutee lead the team with eight catches for 141 yards replacing the suspended Will Fuller. The next two weeks are tougher – road games at the Bears and Colts. But Coutee showed the same form he had in 2018 when he produced two 100-yard performances and then did little else until this week.

WR Chad Hansen – He sent many people to their game programs to figure out who the wideout was with five catches for 101 yards against the Colts vaunted secondary. Hansen was a fourth-round pick by the Jets in 2017 who had nine catches as a rookie and then none while he drifted on and off the rosters of the Patriots, Titans, Broncos and Saints. His 101 yards was more than double the 94 career-yards he had coming into the game and his first action in three years. He was promoted off the practice squad and made a splash. Both he and Keke Coutee can thank playing with Deshaun Watson for their success, but anyone with a 100-yard game late in the year is worth noting.

WR DeVante Parker – The Dolphins lead receiver was held to only 38.9 yards per game playing with Tua Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback. He hurt his thumb and missed Week 12 when Ryan Fitzpatrick completed eight passes for 119 yards at the Jets. Tagovailoa returned and Parker returned to only four catches for 35 yards. When he plays with Fitzpatrick, he averaged almost 80 yards per game.

WR Collin Johnson – The Jaguars are another team trying out new players and the 6-6, fifth-round pick out of Texans showed up with 96 yards and a score versus the Browns last week. On Sunday, he led the Jaguars with four receptions for 66 yards while DJ Chark was held to only two catches for 41 yards by the Vikings.

WR Henry Ruggs – The Raiders picked the first wideout in the NFL draft and came away with Ruggs who has been “uneven” as a rookie. But the Raiders found themselves on the Jets’ 46-yard line with only 19 seconds left. They trailed the winless Jets 24-28 but DC Gregg Williams opted to call up a total blitz on the third-down play. That meant Ruggs, drafted 1.12 and running a 4.27/ 40-time, was one-on-one against CB Lamar Jackson, an undrafted rookie. Expect much talk about that play this week.

RB Cam Akers – The Rams’ rookie ran for 72 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries and added a 22-yard catch.  Darrell Henderson would also score on his 38-yard breakaway run but only handed three carries in all. Notable is that Akers 21 rushes in one game are more than any other Rams’ running back this year.

RB Wayne Gallman – He was on a five-game scoring streak after taking over as the primary back in Week 7. While he failed to reach the endzone this week in Seattle, Gallman ran for a season-best 135 yards on 16 carries.

RB Sony Michel – He was on injured reserve and while he was active last week, he had no carries. With Rex Burkhead gone,  the Pats only used Damien Harris and James White in Week 12. Michel finally saw use on Sunday when he ran ten times for 35 yards and added a catch for 23 yards. Michel only ran four times over the first three quarters and then saw most of his use late in the already-decided game.

Huddle player of the week

Darren Waller  –  Not often that the highest-scoring fantasy player for a week is a tight end. Even rarer that it wasn’t Travis Kelce. Waller ended with 13 catches for 200 yards and two scores versus the Jets this week and while Henry Ruggs caught the winning score, Waller was the only reason that play mattered.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Sam Darnold 186-26 3 QB Justin Herbert 209 0
RB Ty Johnson 22-104
2-13		 1 RB Miles Sanders 31 0
RB Alfred Morris 8-39
2-13		 2 RB Derrick Henry 15-60
1-9		 0
WR Rashard Higgins 6-95 1 WR Devante Parker 4-35 0
WR Henry Ruggs 3-84 1 WR Keenan Allen 5-48 0
WR D. Peoples-Jones 2-92 1 WR Nelson Agholor 4-38 0
TE Dan Arnold 2-61 2 TE Evan Engram 4-32 0
PK Cody Parker  5 XP   2 FG PK Mike Badgley   zip
Huddle Fantasy Points = 160 Huddle Fantasy Points = 50

Now get back to work…

Saints vs. Falcons inactive list: CB Patrick Robinson will play in Week 13

The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints reported their inactive lists for Week 13’s rematch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints reported their inactive lists for Week 13’s rematch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, though the Saints ruled out multiple players preemptively because of injuries (starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins and defensive end Marcus Davenport among them). The big name to note here is returns specialist Deonte Harris, who won’t be playing. He’s likely to be replaced by practice squad call-up Tommylee Lewis.

And the good news is that backup corner Patrick Robinson is active after a hamstring injury limited him in Friday’s final practice session. The Saints promoted practice squad cornerback Grant Haley in case Robinson couldn’t go, but his body responded well in pregame warmups, so he’ll be replacing Jenkins in the starting lineup.

Atlanta will be without starting guard James Carpenter while he manages a groin muscle issue, but they are returning both wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Todd Gurley, who were each questionable to play on the injury report. Here’s who won’t be suiting up:

Report: Injured Falcons WR Julio Jones, RB Todd Gurley expected to play vs. Saints

ESPN reports that the Atlanta Falcons expect WR Julio Jones and RB Todd Gurley to return from injuries against the New Orleans Saints.

[jwplayer 5kXIrfVV-ThvAeFxT]

Color us surprised: after being listed as questionable to play on Friday’s final injury report, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that both wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Todd Gurley are expected to suit up for the Atlanta Falcons in Sunday’s kickoff with the New Orleans Saints.

Both starters were limited in practice this week while managing injuries; Jones has been dealing with a nagging hamstring issue, while Gurley has continued to suffer a frustrating knee condition. Jones currently leads the Falcons in receiving yards per game (84.6) while Gurley is their leader on the ground (61.0 rushing yards per game).

Neither of them made much of an impact in their first game with the Saints this season. Back in Week 11, Gurley was held to just 26 rushing yards (on 8 carries) while Jones caught a pair of passes for 39 receiving yards. They’ll be hoping to make a bigger difference against a strong Saints defense missing starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins and defensive end Marcus Davenport.

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Saints CB Janoris Jenkins ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have a lot of work to do if they hope to secure a playoff spot this season.

The Atlanta Falcons have a lot of work to do if they hope to secure a playoff spot this season. With just four total victories and five games remaining, the team will likely have to win out in order to even have a chance at a postseason berth.

On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints come to Atlanta for an NFC South rematch from two weeks ago. The Saints sacked quarterback Matt Ryan eight times in that matchup but the Falcons responded with their best performance of the season, a 43-6 win over the Raiders in Week 12.

Atlanta’s final injury report listed running back Todd Gurley, defensive end Dante Fowler and wide receiver Julio Jones as questionable for Sunday’s game. Starting left guard James Carpenter has been ruled out.

New Orleans has some notable injuries as well. On Friday, the team ruled out CB Janoris Jenkins, WR Deonte Harris and DE Marcus Davenport. Jenkins intercepted Matt Ryan when the Saints defeated the Falcons in Week 11.

Saints QB Taysom Hill hasn’t impressed with his arm thus far in relief of Drew Brees, but is a threat to run the ball. Atlanta’s defensive linemen must stay in their rush lanes and not lose contain of Hill on Sunday, as they did in the first meeting between these two teams.

Check back tomorrow prior to kickoff for the Falcons’ inactives list.

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Falcons WR Julio Jones did not practice on Thursday

Jones sat out of last weekend’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders but head coach Raheem Morris indicated he was optimistic that the All-Pro wideout would be back for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

After practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday, Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones was held out on Thursday as he recovers from a hamstring injury, per team reporter William McFadden’s Tweet.

Jones sat out of last weekend’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders but head coach Raheem Morris indicated he was optimistic that the All-Pro wideout would be back for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Check back in a few hours for the Falcons’ complete Thursday injury report.

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Fantasy football: 5 sleepers to start, 5 starters to sit in Week 13

Week 13 fantasy football starters, sits, sleepers.

We’ve hit double-digits in the NFL season as Week 13 is here. We’re also closing in on the playoffs, too.

Now more than ever, especially if you’re still alive in the playoff push, setting your lineup correctly for the weekend is a major key in fantasy football. Nothing worse than having a guy on the bench going off or someone in your starting lineup that has laid a dud.

Let us help you right here. Our five sleepers to start and five starters to sit in fantasy football Week 13:

Starters to sit

Steelers quarterback Ben Roetlisberger, Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

QB Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

vs. Football Team

As a team the Steelers should have their way with Washington. Having said that, it might not come via Ben Roethlisberger. The Football Team has the second-best pass defense in 2020, only trailing… the Steelers.

RB Todd Gurley, Falcons

vs. Saints

Todd Gurley has been a limited participant in practice since Wednesday and missed Week 12. He’s banged up and is facing the Saints defense, which has allowed the fewest points vs. opposing running backs in fantasy this year.

RB Gio Bernard, Bengals

at Dolphins

The Dolphins are the seventh-best defense against the run this season and Gio Bernard just hasn’t had the successes one might’ve thought with both Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon out of the lineup.

WR Christian Kirk, Cardinals

vs. Rams

The Rams are the best defense in fantasy football against opposing wide receivers. DeAndre Hopkins would be the very bold choice to put here… but we’re playing it safe and putting the Cards’ No. 2 wide receiver instead.

WR Darius Slayton, Giants

at Seahawks

The Seahawks are a bad secondary and defense, but Darius Slayton had a horrible start with Colt McCoy under center last week. Two targets and no catches. That will probably change, but don’t expect a big game like you could with someone else on your roster.

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Raheem Morris says Julio Jones, Todd Gurley will practice today

Wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Todd Gurley were both held out of the Falcons’ Week 12 win over the Raiders.

The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to have two of their biggest stars back in time for this Sunday’s NFC South matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Todd Gurley were both held out of the Falcons’ Week 12 win over the Raiders.

Talking to the media on Wednesday, head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that Jones and Gurley would practice but in a limited capacity, per team reporter Kelsey Conway.

As for left guard James Carpenter, who left Sunday’s game with a groin injury, Morris said he wouldn’t practice today. Atlanta’s third-round pick, OL Matt Hennessy, could be in line to make his first start if Carpenter doesn’t get on the field before Friday.

Check back Wednesday afternoon for the team’s first official injury report of the week.

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